Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Taking it outdoors...

I bet you wondered when I would actually post some food on my cooking blog again. Well the official start of summer started this past weekend, so I fired up the grill. Now I know that some use propane grills, but not me. I like the old-fashioned barrel and charcoal. Nothing gives your food that smokey goodness like charcoal. Then we have the decision whether to use a dry rub or marinade. My preference is a dry rub with four simple, readily available ingredients. My secret to fall-off-the-bone ribs follows.


BBQ Ribs

Dry Rub:
1 Tbsp. kosher salt
1 Tbsp. fire brick pepper
1 Tbsp. smoky paprika
6 Tbsp. brown sugar

Mix well, rub over ribs and cover, refrigerate overnight to let the flavors meld into the meat. Mix up 1 part white vinegar and 3 parts water in a spray bottle. Lightly (and I mean lightly) spray your meat to keep it moist while cooking (too much water will put out your coals). I let my ribs stay on the grill long enough to get brown and absorb that nice smoke flavor, then I baste them with BBQ sauce (we go light on sauce, you can always serve extra on the side) and place them in a covered roaster. Place the roaster in a pre-heated 275 to 300 degree oven for an hour (or more) and your meat will fall-off-the-bone. I have been preparing them this way for over 30 years, my ribs are in high demand at family reunions. Guarantee your family will love them too!

We kept it simple this year and served veggie pockets and fresh from my garden salad as sides.

Veggie Pocket

Simply cut up your favorite vegetables and season with sea salt and pepper to taste. Add 2 Tbsp. butter and chopped fresh herbs (I used parsley and thyme), fold the foil and seal well. Place on grill and let cook, turning occasionally for 30 to 45 minutes or until tender.

Fresh from the garden salad

28 comments:

Lucy said...

Well I could sit down to a plate of those ribs, they're just the way I love them!!! of course some veggies too!

Thinking I'll be back soon too, things are starting to look brigther, yea!!

perennialgardener said...

Yum, that looks like the perfect meal for your first summer cookout of the season! I'll have to show hubby your dry rub ingredients for ribs. ;)

Theresa said...

Well If I'd had known you were serving ribs, I would have been there in a flash!

Peter M said...

The ribs, that colour...look fabulous, as do the fixins'...love grillin' season.

Proud Italian Cook said...

Your ribs look awesome!! This might be a crazy question, but what is fire brick pepper?? I never heard of it, is it a cayenne?

OhioMom said...

Hi Lucy ... good to see you back, can't wait for one of your awesome creations :)

Racquel .. guaranteed he will love this rub!

LOL Theresa .. anytime my dear, anytime.

Me too Peter .. and ribs are the only way to start off the season.

Marie .. I buy my seasonings from the "Spicehound" at our local farmers market, you can find him under the "Ohio Foodies" in my sidebar. It is a special blend of cut black pepper, red pepper flakes and hickory smoke. We love it on all our meats and fish .. nice bite :)

shambo said...

All I can say is, "Yum!" Those ribs look wonderful. Sounds like you've got a perfect method too.

NellJean said...

If it weren't for you, Linda, I might never yearn for better than we're eating here.

OhioMom said...

Thanks Sue :)

Nell .. I will share another little secret with you .. we don't eat like this everyday LOL!

Grace said...

look at that char. just look at it. well, that's all i can do, but i'm glad you got to eat it. :)

Balisha said...

Oh, I've been waiting for your next meal. I could just bring my fork over and dig in. Love the veggies too.

OhioMom said...

...and you just can't get that char on a gas grill Grace, for me it will always be charcoal :)

LOL Balisha ... the food critic is pleased that I got my mojo for cooking back :)

giz said...

Perfection all around. The only thing I miss about living in a house is the bbq. Vicarious living isn't so bad and what time should I show up for dinner?

OhioMom said...

You are welcome anytime Giz :) I live in an apartment building, with a big old lot out back ... this is where I use my grill. If I had a house/yard, I would probably use it everyday in summer, anything to keep from turning on the stove ... LOL

Heidi Robb said...

Darn I didn't eat any ribs this weekend and yours look so delicious. I should get to Coit to che out the spices and other goodies - been too long.

The garden lettuce looks tender and sweet.

OhioMom said...

Heidi I get all my spices from Kevin, I especially like his special blends. Burton Floral has plants (flowers/veggies) and I loaded up on those and fresh eggs too! I love market season :)

Elenka said...

Ribs are one thing that I've never tried! Exactly what kind of ribs do you buy in the store?? It looks sooo good.

OhioMom said...

Thanks Elenka. I buy "center cut spareribs", the food critic is already asking when we will do it again .. LOL!

Selba said...

The ribs looks so scrumptious!

Jamie said...

Yum! What amazing looking ribs! I must try this!

OhioMom said...

Thanks Selba and thanks for dropping in :)

Jamie .. yes you must!

Lori Lynn said...

Great post, love the simplicity of the menu. YAY for summer grilling. I just might try your rib method.
LL

OhioMom said...

Thanks Lori :)

Cynthia said...

I want a large serving of those ribs!

******* said...

I want ribs now :)

OhioMom said...

LOL Cynthia and Maryann ... the next time you are in Cleveland :)

maybelle's mom said...

That salad looks great. ANd, your pictures have really gotten lovely.

OhioMom said...

Thanks Maybelle, my pic taking has improved ... :)